What Are Fad Diets
The phrase “fad diets” typically refers to diets that promote a restricted eating-plan which is unhealthy and/or lacking in sufficient calories. Certain liquid-only diets (fasts) are promoted as healthful diets but in reality are merely fad diets. Common examples of fad diets include, the Cabbage Soup Diet and the Grapefruit Diet.
Do Fad Diets Work?
Depends what you mean by “work.” Any very-low-calorie diet will cause weight loss in most people. Since most fad diets are very low in calories they typically cause quite fast weight loss. However, quick weight loss may not be healthy and – in most cases – is not fat loss. It is usually mostly water-loss which is quickly regained when the dieter resumes normal eating.
Fad Diets Are Short Term Diet Plans
Most fad diets are typically short-term diet plans. Not only are they low in calories but their menus are likely to be monotonous and lacking in adequate nutrition. Some fad diets are designed to last no more than a few days – as if a 2 or 3 day diet program is likely to help solve a weight problem!!
Fad Diets With “Special” Fat-Burning or “Negative Calorie” Foods
Some fad diets claim to contain special “fat-burning” or “negative calorie” diet foods. Unfortunately, there is no clinical evidence that foods have these special properties.
Fad Diets Can Cause Weight Cycling
Fad dieting can sometimes lead to weight-cycling or yo-yo dieting – that is, weight loss, followed by regain, followed by weight loss then regain etc. New research suggests that such weight cycling may lead to obesity.
Conclusion: Avoid Fad Diets
Avoid fad diets and fad dieting. Instead, eat a balanced diet that includes foods from ALL food groups. Eating a balanced calorie-controlled diet is not only more appealing but also more likely to help you develop the sort of good eating habits that lead to permanent weight loss.
